Graffiti is a Crime

Graffiti is not art, it is vandalism.

Graffiti is a misdemeanor crime if the damage is under $400. Vandalism that exceeds $400 in damage results in a felony and up to three years in Prison. The City of Riverside charges $140 to remove a quarter size mark of graffiti, and $400 in damages can add up quickly.

What are the consequences of graffiti vandalism?Click Here to find out.

Graffiti Legislation

Parents who are criminally negligent in failing to supervise or control their children in a manner that
causes their children to commit a crime, may be prosecuted for that crime and sentenced to 1 year in
jail or $2,500 fine or both.

CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE 594

(A) Every person who maliciously (1) defaces with paint or any other liquid, (2) damages or (3)
destroys any real or personal property not his own, in cases
not otherwise specified by state law, is
guilty of vandalism.

(B) If the amount of defacement, damage or destruction is $400 or more, vandalism is punishable by
imprisonment in a state prison or in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by a fine of not more
then $10,000 of both that fine and imprisonment.

CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE 594.1

Provides that no aerosol paint containers be sold to persons under 18 years of age.

CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE 594.5

Provides that Cities and Counties may adopt laws regulating spray paint within their own jurisdiction.

STATE CIVIL CODE, SEC 1714.1

Provides that parents are responsible to pay for damages caused by the willful misconduct of their
children, including repair costs and attorney fees up to $10,000.

SENATE BILL 1997

Authorizes the court to suspend, restrict, or delay the driving privileges of a person 13 years of age or
older who is convicted of graffiti vandalism.